Wagner pad decision

[DCDG]

A few years ago when I did my brakes I installed the PowerStop OEKIT with Z17 pads generally I been happy with it and they perform (alright) just not the braking feel I prefer. I'm sold on the Wagner brand I ordered the OEX line but now second guessing my purchase I mean these pads were cheap brand new factory wrapped $34 shipped to my door. Pads are going on a CUV no towing no hill descents just want the cold bite and good stop n go traffic braking. I am torn between the OEX and ThermoQuiet both GG pads what I like about the TQ's over the OEX is they resemble the traditional brake pad and are highly rated pads. OEX seem to have a lot of innovation behind their design but cost less what gives why the TQ's cost more are they a better pad?

Maybe I just need more people to tell me they have good things to say and a positive experience with the OEX's my ADHD is off the rev limiter with fuel cutoff kicking in.

 

[slacktide_bitog]

Either should serve you well, and there probably won't be a noticeable difference in real world performance of either, so just pick on price, especially if one is significantly cheaper.

If you want the ultimate in brake feel for daily driver pads, get the EBC Ultimax2 (Blackstuff) pads, though Rock Auto doesn't carry them.

 

[DCDG]

Either should serve you well, and there probably won't be a noticeable difference in real world performance of either, so just pick on price, especially if one is significantly cheaper.

If you want the ultimate in brake feel for daily driver pads, get the EBC Ultimax2 (Blackstuff) pads, though Rock Auto doesn't carry them.

if it's cost the OEX price can't be matched so far.

 

[Donald]

I have used Wagner ThermoQuiet when I could not find my preferred Akebono.

 

[Rand]

I was interested in those wagner pads.. IIRC most of the reviews are pretty average.

What vehicle is this. unless you just want generic recommendations that may not be available.

A pad such as ebc greenstuff has higher cold bite than most oe pads.

IMO the wagners are suitable for regular oem replacement.. I wouldnt expect them to be better than your powerstops.

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Thread 'Wagner OEX pads, poor performance'

Jun 28, 2021

I did a front brake job on my '15 Sedona about a month ago. The factory pads only had 1/8" left (at around 34k), so I swapped them out for a set of Wagner OEX pads and Raybestos EHT coated rotors.

I was a bit suspicious of the pads due to their strange design; the pad material is sort of a scalloped shape with more grooves and it was clear from photos that it had less surface area than an OEM or similar pad. The product literature also highlights how long the pads last, which is an attribute I couldn't care less about. But heck, I'm all for trying new things (price was under $30), the...

• 92saturnsl2
• Replies: 34
• Forum: ATF, Differential, Trans, Brakes, P/S

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[walterjay]

I have been using Thermo Quiet for years and have had excellent results.

 

[GaryMX5]

If initial bite is important, a semi-metallic might be the way to go. In general, a semi-metallic will provide better braking but at the cost of being a little more dusty, sometimes more noisy and can have a gritty pedal feel. They're also more sensitive to being properly bedded in. Nice smooth braking is a partnership between the pad and the rotor. If the rotor is of poor quality, the best pad in the world will feel and perform poorly. Reusing rotors that have been bedded with differing pad formulations can lead to problems as well.

 

[DCDG]

If initial bite is important, a semi-metallic might be the way to go. In general, a semi-metallic will provide better braking but at the cost of being a little more dusty, sometimes more noisy and can have a gritty pedal feel. They're also more sensitive to being properly bedded in. Nice smooth braking is a partnership between the pad and the rotor. If the rotor is of poor quality, the best pad in the world will feel and perform poorly. Reusing rotors that have been bedded with differing pad formulations can lead to problems as well.

The thought going semi metallic did cross my mind I have steel wheels with hubcaps so dust wouldn't be an issue also considered a hybrid pad. More I read into this I may just ride out the z17s these oex pads don't rest easy on me.

 

[GMBoy]

I don't care for the thermo quiets unless they changed over the years since I stopped using them 10 yrs ago. What I didn't like was the rubberized backing gets cut thru to the metal by the break caliper piston causing corrosion and noise. Had several come back for noise and they all exhibited this condition. Maybe things have changed so take my 10yr old opinion for whatever it is worth or what not worth lol

 

[Cujet]

I was able to get Wagner TQ semi met for my Jag X-Type and they have been fantastic. Just outright excellent stopping power for an enthusiastic driver. Not kidding, they have great initial bite, don't fade from multiple full top speed stops and are simply a pleasure to live with. Unfortunately, the wheels are somewhat dirty with these pads. Don't care, they work like magic. MX910 and 911 are the P/N's I used (by memory)

If I can find them for my F-Type, a 185mph car, I'll do it. They are that good.

 

[Lubener]

I have always had good, quiet performance with Thermoquiet pads and is my pad of choice.

 

[nwjones18]

A few years ago when I did my brakes I installed the PowerStop OEKIT with Z17 pads generally I been happy with it and they perform (alright) just not the braking feel I prefer. I'm sold on the Wagner brand I ordered the OEX line but now second guessing my purchase I mean these pads were cheap brand new factory wrapped $34 shipped to my door. Pads are going on a CUV no towing no hill descents just want the cold bite and good stop n go traffic braking. I am torn between the OEX and ThermoQuiet both GG pads what I like about the TQ's over the OEX is they resemble the traditional brake pad and are highly rated pads. OEX seem to have a lot of innovation behind their design but cost less what gives why the TQ's cost more are they a better pad?

Maybe I just need more people to tell me they have good things to say and a positive experience with the OEX's my ADHD is off the rev limiter with fuel cutoff kicking in.

As someone who was a diehard thermoquiet guy for over a decade... The last 3 sets of Wagner pads I got (2 thermoquiet 1 OEX) were junk. They dusted badly and the rotors quickly got the 'warped feel'. I had never had that experience with the many sets I'd used previously. I ended replacing all 3 sets with under 10k miles on them. One with Akebono which has been very good and another with Bosch, but to soon to know if those are better, but initial impression is they are.

N

Thread 'Front Pad/Rotor choice for 2008 CRV'

Jul 22, 2025

2008 CRV with 160k on it. I replaced pads only with Wagner thermoquiet around 90k and they were smooth until they wore out around 150k/1 year ago. Replaced with ACDelco Advantage coated rotors and another set of thermoquiets and 1yr/10k later they are shuddering badly.. The new thermoquiets also dust quite a bit more than the old ones. Looks like the Wagner OEX and Raybestos R3 are GG rated. What Rotor/Pad combo would you use? My main concerns are low dust and quiet braking and I don't feel like spending a fortune. Can get R3 rotors/pads for $125 on RA. Saw this EBC kit on Amazon that is...

• nwjones18
• Replies: 32
• Forum: Mechanical/Maintenance Forum

 

[Urshurak776]

I used Wagner Thermoquiet in my sons Kia Rio. Very nice fit , no noise and very little dust. I use these if I need them locally and quick. If I can plan for it, I buy the Bosch Quiet-cast on RockAuto. Both are great for the money in my experience.

 

[GMBoy]

I was able to get Wagner TQ semi met for my Jag X-Type and they have been fantastic. Just outright excellent stopping power for an enthusiastic driver. Not kidding, they have great initial bite, don't fade from multiple full top speed stops and are simply a pleasure to live with. Unfortunately, the wheels are somewhat dirty with these pads. Don't care, they work like magic. MX910 and 911 are the P/N's I used (by memory)

If I can find them for my F-Type, a 185mph car, I'll do it. They are that good.

Excellent review and I agree if they work that good for you at the small cost of extra wheel dust so be it

 

[nthach]

I was able to get Wagner TQ semi met for my Jag X-Type and they have been fantastic. Just outright excellent stopping power for an enthusiastic driver. Not kidding, they have great initial bite, don't fade from multiple full top speed stops and are simply a pleasure to live with. Unfortunately, the wheels are somewhat dirty with these pads. Don't care, they work like magic. MX910 and 911 are the P/N's I used (by memory)

If I can find them for my F-Type, a 185mph car, I'll do it. They are that good.

In your case, it looks like Driv sourced that application from Ferodo in the UK/Europe and sold them as ThermoQuiets. Wagner does that to many of their European applications. FER5100 GG is the AMECA edge code/FMSI friction coefficient.

I’ve had hit or miss with TQs, worked fine on a Subaru, but they were shimmed. On a Toyota and a Lexus, they were great for stopping but also made noise as the pads shifted in the calipers and when the caliper piston cut through the IMI insulator.

 

[wlk]

I have ran multiple types of Wagners over the years and never disappointed in any of them.

 

[DrEd]

I have bought Wagner brakes with good luck in the past, but a recent incident raises serious concerns. I ordered OEX1212 pads from Rockauto for my Camry. The friction code on the pads (FF) did not match either what Wagner states or what the pictures show (GG). Also, the Wagner logo did not look the same as all recent purchases. I wrote to Wagner inquiring if Wagner had ever made these as FF. I questioned if the pads might be counterfeit. Wagner's tech support told me that the OEX1212 spec was for friction code GG through 2024. However, tech support said it had no information on the friction code for pads made after 2024. It is extremely concerning that Wagner lacks knowledge of the spec for a pad sold under the Wagner name. That suggests Wagner is no longer exercising any control over the use of its name; therefore, the Wagner name is meaningless. I am very disappointed. I ultimately sent them back and put Duralast DE1212 pads on instead. I've posted three pictures of the pads I received and one picture taken from a website. The website photo (with the bar code) looks like other Wagner pads I have purchased before.

 

[DCDG]

I was expecting the OEX pads I ordered from eBay to have arrived by now some postage delay as soon as they get delivered I am initiating a return/refund. Sort of an impulse buy as I waited around I read too much into the pads and they really turn out to be a marketing hype POS of a pad. Is it possible there are two versions of the OEX1212 pad one for a CUV and one for a sedan vehicle that Wagner found the GG friction wasn't necessary in a Camry type vehicle?

 

[DrEd]

If the part number corresponds to two different parts, then it is meaningless. I always opt for higher coefficients of friction. Even though the original Toyota (Advics) pads were EF, I have been using the highest friction pads available on all my vehicles with satisfactory results. The Advics pads were terrible for dust. It was everywhere and caked on the calipers. I had to scrape it off the pistons with a screwdriver. Even though higher friction code doesn’t guarantee stopping distance, I opt for the highest code. Sometimes, an inch might be the difference between wreck and no wreck. I am a pretty conservative driver, but my wife and kids like to brake late. I was pretty pleased with the PowerStop Z36 pads I put on the Sienna. I have Wagner OEX pads on my Ascent. The Z36 pads wore very well with low dust. Out of curiosity, I put Brembo pads and rotors on the Sienna this time around.

 

[slacktide_bitog]

I have bought Wagner brakes with good luck in the past, but a recent incident raises serious concerns. I ordered OEX1212 pads from Rockauto for my Camry. The friction code on the pads (FF) did not match either what Wagner states or what the pictures show (GG). Also, the Wagner logo did not look the same as all recent purchases. I wrote to Wagner inquiring if Wagner had ever made these as FF. I questioned if the pads might be counterfeit. Wagner's tech support told me that the OEX1212 spec was for friction code GG through 2024. However, tech support said it had no information on the friction code for pads made after 2024. It is extremely concerning that Wagner lacks knowledge of the spec for a pad sold under the Wagner name. That suggests Wagner is no longer exercising any control over the use of its name; therefore, the Wagner name is meaningless. I am very disappointed. I ultimately sent them back and put Duralast DE1212 pads on instead. I've posted three pictures of the pads I received and one picture taken from a website. The website photo (with the bar code) looks like other Wagner pads I have purchased before.

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So, was Duralast GG? The problem with house brands is you have no idea who they're souring from or what quality they seek. The house brands can change faster than the name brands do

Wagner might be part of some private equity portfolio, which is why they have no idea what they started using afterwards. See also: Centric and Raybestos

Another possibility might be a reformulation to remove copper. Most brake pads with the sane name and part numbers are different than what was made a few years ago because of legislation regarding copper in brake pads. Ceramic and organic/NAO pads had some copper in them before.

The EBC Blackstuff I mentioned earlier never possibly contained copper, as they advertise it having zero metallic fibers.

Did you take any pics of the Duralast pads you got before installing them?